Halloween Eye Safety

Halloween Eye Safety

October has arrived and that means many people are already starting to plan for upcoming costume parties and trick-or-treating for the Halloween season. This is why now is the time to remind the public about some very important precautions about eye safety since there are some common costume props and accessories out there can be very dangerous to your eyes.

Cosmetic Contact Lenses

One of the biggest costume-related dangers to your eyes and vision is cosmetic or decorative contact lenses. Decorative lenses can be a great addition to your costume, but they must be obtained safely and legally with a prescription, through a professional, authorized vendor.

The bottom line is that contact lenses are a medical device that are manufactured and distributed under very strict regulations. Even non-corrective contact lenses require an eye exam to measure your eye and fit lenses according to a prescription. Costume stores, beauty supply stores and similar websites are not authorized dealers of contact lenses, and over-the-counter contact lenses are not legal under any circumstances.

Beware of anyone advertising “one-size-fits all” lenses or promoting that you do not need a prescription to purchase. Never buy contact lenses that don’t require a prescription. You could be risking serious damage to the eye and even blindness.

When contact lenses are not fitted to your unique eye measurements by an eye doctor, they can cause dryness and discomfort as well as a corneal abrasion or a scratch on the front surface of the eye. Serious corneal abrasions can leave scars and create permanent vision damage. Further, unregulated contact lenses may not be manufactured with optimal materials that are flexible and breathable and can be applied and removed properly. There are stories of lenses being stuck to people’s eyes and causing serious damage. Even if you aren’t feeling pain, it is best to check with a qualified licensed contact lens fitter to confirm if the contact lens is causing any harm to the eyes.

Non-prescription contacts have also been shown to present a higher risk of eye infection. Serious infections can lead to vision loss, sometimes on a permanent basis. There are far too many stories these days of people that have used off-the-counter contact lenses that are now blind or suffering serious vision loss and chronic discomfort.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to forgo your red, devil eyes this year! Just be safe and plan ahead. There are many manufacturers of cosmetic lenses, and these can be obtained safely through an authorized contact lens dealer. Contact your eye doctor or local optician to find out more.

False Lashes

False eyelashes have become quite the rage in recent years but they carry a number of risks with them as well. First of all, they can damage the natural eyelash hair follicles, causing them to fall out, sometimes permanently. The chances of this increase when people sleep in their lashes or leave them on for extended periods of time. In addition to the aesthetic damage, this can be dangerous to your eyes because eyelashes are essential for protecting your eyes from sweat, debris, and dust. Without your eyelashes your eyes are at greater risk for infection and irritation.

False eyelashes can also be a trap for dirt, debris and bacteria which can enter your eye causing irritation and infections, along the lids or inside the eye itself. As we said above, severe infections can sometimes lead to vision loss.

Additionally, the glue that adheres the lashes to your eyelid can sometimes cause an allergic reaction in the skin around the eye or to the eye itself. The eye is one of the most sensitive areas of the body, so you want to keep any potential allergens or irritants far, far away.

Masks and Props

If your (or your child’s) costume includes a mask, fake face, hood or anything else that goes on your head, make sure that visibility isn’t impaired. Unfortunately, it’s common for children especially to trip and fall because they cannot see well. Also, use caution when using props such as plastic swords, pitchforks, guns, sports equipment which can easily cause a corneal abrasion or contusion to the eye if hit in the face.

Makeup

Lastly be careful about the makeup you apply around your eyes. Wash your hands before you apply eye makeup and don’t share makeup and brushes with others, as this can lead to the spread of infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye). Make sure your makeup isn’t expired (mascara for example is recommended to throw away 2-4 months after opening) and try not to apply anything like eyeliner too close to the underside of the eyelid. Lastly, only use makeup intended for eyes in the area around the eyes.

When you are planning for this Halloween season, just remember that your vision is too high a price to pay for any great costume. Dress up safely and Happy Halloween!

Testimonials

You may recognize this gentleman. His name is Tony Weeks and he's a longstanding patient of Dr. Chiodo's at our Northwest Vision Center. In the photo he is flanked by Christy Klimek (the office manager at the Northwest Vision Center) along with Dr. Chiodo. Tony works as a fulltime corrections officer at a high-risk prison in Victorville California but also is (better known as) a popular professional boxing referee. He...

- Tony Weeks

Rayne Thomas has been a patient at the Summerlin Vision Center since 2004. Ms. Thomas is one of our more interesting patients. She’s a world class author, blues vocalist and humorist. Rayne has had so many accomplishments in her life; they are far too numerous to mention. Her goal is to travel the world with the idea of “healing hearts thru laughter”. She conducts workshops and speaking engagements under this premise,...

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8News NOW Weather Anchor and TV Reporter, Diane Tuazon has been a client of Summerlin Vision Center since she moved to Las Vegas back in 2004. Working in front of a camera and being on television every day takes a strain on my eyes, which is why I have to make sure I see the best optometrists in town, and I trust none other than the staff at Summerlin Vision...

- Diane Tuazon

Ted Keegan is our featured patient shown in this picture with Office Manager Melissa Petrie on the left and Dr. Lisa Guerrero on the right. Ted frequents our Seven Hills Vision Center based on the superior level of care provided by Dr. Guerrero and the entire staff. Ted, is a singer, actor and photographer who previously played the phantom in “Phantom of the Opera” in Las Vegas. Ted is joining...

- Ted Keegan

8 News NOW Weather Anchor, Sherry Swensk, has been a client of Summerlin Vision Center for about as long as she’s been on TV in Las Vegas - nearly 20 years! “Forecasting the weather each day, seeing numbers clearly is vital to my job - especially at 4 a.m. Everything can be pretty blurry at that early hour. But thanks to the great staff at Summerlin Vision Center, it’s easy...

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Derrick Williams is an actor/singer for Disney Theatrical. He is currently performing in the Lion King Show at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas where he taps into his catlike side as Simba’s father, Mufasa. Derrick Williams is no stranger to the stage. He is originally from New York and is an amazing Broadway actor. He has graced stages on Broadway in “Aida” and “Swing”; has appeared on television programs such...

- Derrick Williams

Seven Hills’ Vision Center is the best!!! I’ve been a client for years for all of my vision needs. They offer incredible service, convenient appointments, the very best most up-todate high tech equipment to ensure a complete eye exam, and offers a classy selection of frames to meet the needs of the most stylish trendiest dressers. Anyone who asks me for an eye dr in town, I never hesitate to say, Dr. Lee at Seven...

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My husband and I had been to other eye doctors in the past and neither one of us had ever left with that satisfied feeling. We knew we’d never go back to “that place” again. So, when we were referred to Dr. Podloski at the vision center needless to say, we didn’t have high hopes for anything different. Our first was at the Northwest location and from the minute we...

- Trish Ketchell

My experience at the Vision Center with Dr. Podloski was educational and streamlined. I had never had glasses before and I was nervous about going to the eye doctor to begin with. I went back to school last year and I was required to do a lot more reading than I was used to Dr. Podloski listened very carefully to my concerns and explained everything in detail that was happening...

- Amanda Ketzenberger

Dear Dr. Guerrero I want to take this time to let you know how nice and exceptional your staff is. From Stephanie, Melissa, and will who welcome you so pleasantly on the phone and entering your office and are so helpful. It’s already a nice experience. Melissa was also lovely and patient when I had to go back for adjustments. You ware very pleasant and informative as well. I felt...

- Ann Kenyon

Dr Podloski I would like to take moment to extend my thanks for your help and going the extra mile to take great care and your extreme concern to help my son see again. You are an incredible doctor and very caring. I wish we had more doctors like you in this world. We’ve sent a little appreciation gift from my son and myself to show how much we are...